Allegations of a rigged election do not inspire voter confidence in advance of Nov. 8, when Missourians will decide an issue about a photo ID requirement for voters at the polls.
We consistently have opposed photo ID. We trust the election process, overseen at local polling places by a bipartisan assembly of poll workers who also are our friends and neighbors.
Missouri lawmakers - at least the Republican majority - do not, as indicated by legislation to require a photo ID. Because a previous effort was found unconstitutional by the Missouri Supreme Court, a second step this year is asking voters to amend the Missouri Constitution - Amendment 6 - to allow the requirement.
We believe a state photo ID requirement still would conflict with another provision of the Missouri Constitution, that properly registered voters are "entitled" to vote.
Expect a legal challenge if the amendment is approved.
Beyond the legal arguments, we believe the amendment is flawed and deserves to be rejected. Here's why:
If fair elections are in jeopardy, the threat is more likely to come from hackers or - based on recent reports - from mischief with absentee ballots. In addition, an option allowing voters without a photo ID to cast "provisional" ballots - counted only if later verified - contains potential for abuse.
In the absence of a verifiable problem, the costs to taxpayers is extravagant and unjustified. The measure has been estimated to cost up to $2 million this year and more than $11 million to implement voter ID in 2018.
Supporters, primarily Republicans, have not effectively deflected criticism that their motives are partisan. An unanswered question is whether they are seeking to ensure fair elections or to disenfranchise voters who tend to favor Democratic candidates.
The path to victory at the polls must be offering better ideas, not disenfranchising voters who disagree.
Opponents have characterized the photo ID initiative as a solution in search of problem. By any yardstick, it is an unnecessary, expensive proposal that does more to promote partisanship than the process of fair elections.
Reject Amendment 6 on Nov. 8.